The Okinawa Discussion Group, established in October 1990 as a vehicle for businessmen of Okinawa and mainland Japan to work together for development of Okinawa, announced its intention to establish a portable phone company. Funded by DDI and other major firms, Okinawa Cellular was established on June 1, 1991, to provide portable and car phone services in the Okinawa region.

1992

Mar.

Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications issues Telecommunications Business License

Apr.

Main office location changes (Kumoji, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture)

Jul.

Cellular Phone Service Contract Bylaws approved by Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications

Oct.

Mobile Car Phone TACS (Analog) service starts

1994

Apr.

Buyout system offered for portable phone units

1995

Jul.

Main office location changes (Kumoji, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture)

1996

Nov.

PDC (digital) system service starts

1997

Apr.

Corporate stock registered at Securities Dealers Association of Japan

1998

Jul.

Start of CDMA service

1999

May.

Start of "ez web" Internet & e-mail service

Nov.

Start of Cell Pre-Phone (prepaid) service

2000

Jan.

Start of packet communications service

Apr.

Start of international roaming service, "GLOBAL PASSPORT"

Jun.

Application for 3rd generation mobile telephone system (IMT-2000) approved by Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications